Cosmology in Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the oldest known religion, dated back to thousands of years. Origin of the universe and its constituents according to Hinduism can be known from various scriptures like Upanishads and Puranas. In Hinduism, time and universe is cyclic and it was believed to be created and destroyed, innumerable times. The doctrine of the Hinduism of the universality includes among its integral constituents spiritually, the creative process and cyclic nature of the universe, evolution of species and human beings and theories about day and night, asteroids, black holes and galaxies.
This doctrine of cosmology is called Brahma Vaivarta Purana, which finds its basis in the Vedic texts, right up to the later Upanishads, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Puranas. The Puranas contain the most popular cosmogony as they were written after the Vedic period and contain most of the myths and legends.
Discourse of cyclic existence of Universe
According to the Hindu legends, the universe was born out of an egg, laid by the supreme being on the cosmic serpent, Ananta. This egg was the universe in latent form and when the egg broke, Adam and Eve (the first humans) appeared. After a period of time, the serpent broke the egg and all the gods, goddesses and living beings emerged from inside.
The discourse of cyclic existence in Hinduism says that there is an alternate cycle of expansion and contraction in the universe. This cycle is known as Krta and Kalpa. During Krta, which is the period of evolution, the universe expands and energizes the three gunas of sattva, rajas and tamas. In contrast, during Kalpa, the universe contracts and the three gunas withdraw their energy resulting in the destruction of the universe. This whole process then repeats itself.
Creation of the universe
Hinduism believes that the whole universe was created by Brahman, the supreme being. Brahman created the world out of himself, like a spider creates its web out of itself. This creation of the universe is known as sarga, the cycle of creation. In this process, the supreme being divided itself into two parts, the physical and the spiritual. The physical part manifested itself as the world and the spiritual part manifested as the soul of all living beings.
According to Hinduism, the universe was created out of nothingness (or prakriti) as an act of creation. Prakriti is composed of three gunas (qualities) – sattva (purity), rajas (passion) and tamas (inertia). All material forms in the universe are produced by these gunas and their combination. After the creation of the universe, Brahman created the gods to take care of the various aspects of creation.
Cosmic Order in Hinduism
Hinduism believes in a cosmic order or ‘dharma’ which is the principle of law, righteousness and duty. This cosmic order is believed to be the foundation of the universe and it governs the laws of nature, social order and spiritual laws. According to Hinduism, this cosmic order was created by Brahman and it is the basis of the universe.
In Hinduism, there is a concept of ‘lokas’ which are different planes of existence. According to this concept, living beings inhabit various planes of existence called ‘lokas’. These lokas are divided into fourteen levels and the higher planes are believed to be the abodes of gods and goddesses. The higher lokas are inhabited by sages and the lower lokas are said to be the places where demonic forces live.
Evolution of Species
Hinduism also talks about the evolution of species. According to Hinduism, the universe was born out of the cosmic womb of Aditi, the mother goddess. She gave birth to eight sons, Kashyapa, Brahma, Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulastya, Pulaha and Vashistha, who were the progenitors of all living beings.
These gods created various human and animal species from their own bodies and passed them on to the human race. As a result, all human beings possess these divine qualities, which are passed on from generation to generation. In this way, according to Hinduism, each species has an indivisible connection with the divine source from which it came from.
Theory of Karma in Hinduism
The concept of karma is a central tenet in Hinduism. Karma is the universal law of cause and effect and means that you are responsible for all your actions. According to Hinduism, karma is the force that governs the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The theory of karma states that if you do good, you will be rewarded and if you do bad, you will be punished. Your actions, whether good or bad, determine the kind of life you will have in your next life.
This law of karma is believed to be the foundation of the entire universe. The law applies to all living beings, regardless of caste, race, gender and religion. The law of karma is said to be impartial, and it is believed that every being is responsible for the results of his or her own actions.
Origin of Gods & Goddesses
Hinduism has a rich pantheon of gods & goddesses who are revered by people from all walks of life. The origin and nature of the gods & goddesses is explained in various scriptures and mythology like the Rigveda, Upanishads and Puranas.
According to Hinduism, the gods & goddesses were born out of the cosmic waters, called Apah. The Rigveda mentions that the gods were born out of the unity of two parts, one male and the other female. The Rigveda also mentions that the gods were born out of the creative intelligence of the creator called Purusha. Many Hindu scriptures and mythology tell various stories about the origin of the gods and goddesses and describe their relationship with the rest of the world.
The Idea of Moksha
Moksha is one of the most important concepts in Hinduism and it means liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Moksha is the ultimate goal of life and the highest state of being. According to Hinduism, all human beings have an inherent or divine essence, which is the source of all happiness and joy. The ultimate aim of life is to realize this divine essence, known as Moksha.
Moksha is attained when one breaks free from the cycle of birth and death and reaches a state of perfect bliss, peace and non-attachment. This is the ultimate goal of life and it is said that when one achieves Moksha, they become one with the divine source of existence.
Concept of Maya
In Hinduism, Maya is the concept that the whole universe is nothing but an illusion created by Brahman. Maya is the force that keeps us from seeing the ultimate nature of existence. According to Hinduism, we are all caught up in this illusion created by maya and we constantly strive to understand the ultimate truth. The concept of maya is one of the most complex shapes in Hinduism and various scriptures like the Upanishads have discussed extensively about it.
Maya is the source of the illusory power of Brahman and it is the force that binds us to the cycle of birth and death. Maya is said to be responsible for the creation of the universe and for all the suffering and pain. The theory of maya is said to be the basis of the entire universe and it explains the reality of life.
Conclusion of Human Life
In Hinduism, death is not the end but just a transition between lives. After death, the soul is reborn in another form. The souls’ current life’s karma and its past karma determine the next life. This cycle of birth and death is known as samsara and it is believed that the purpose of life is to attain liberation from samsara, which is known as moksha.
The soul is believed to be immortal. According to Hinduism, death is just a passing phase and the soul can never be destroyed. It is believed that souls are eternal, and they keep wandering in different forms when they are reborn. Death is seen as a blessing in Hinduism, as it allows us to break free from the cycle of birth and death and attain the ultimate liberation.
